October 20, 2017
Initial Trial of XTi PAWS on Hy-line W36 layer hen production, 2/2016 – 10/2017
Internal XTi Trial
Conclusion: Exposure of Hy-line W36 laying hens to XTi’s pulsed alternating wavelength system (PAWS) resulted in improved production and egg-size distribution compared to the W36 breed standard and a local poultry producer.
Study Objective:
- To evaluate the effect of XTi PAWS on production of Hy-line W36 layer hens.
Background:
- Previous internal XTi plant trials had shown a significant increase in plant growth under XTi lighting.
- This trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of XTi recipes on animal subjects given how plants and animals evolved under the same light source (sun).
Methods:
- The study was conducted at XTi’s research facility in northern Colorado.
- 216 Hy-line W36 layer hens were obtained from a local producer. The birds were placed into 6 tents under different XTi “recipes”. Tents were set up for either 17hrs or 24hrs of light per day.
- Tents 7-9 were added 6 months later to gain additional information on 17hr vs 24hr lighting. An internal control tent was added at the same time.
- Data was collected for 5 of the initial 6 tents out to 70wks of age. The 6th tent was kept for 106wks to collect additional data.
- Tents 7-9 were kept for 44wks.
- Birds were kept in commercial battery cages and fed standard 18% lay feed.
Results:
- XTi lit birds had better egg production than both the W36 breed standard and the local poultry producer.
- XTi lit birds overall egg size was comparable to W36 breed standard and the local poultry producer.
- Compared to internal control, XTi lit birds had early and sustained egg production as well as higher case weights.
- 24hr XTi lighting showed better egg size distribution than 17hrs (both XTi and Control lighting).
Discussion:
- XTi recipes taken from plant trials resulted in a significant improvement in egg production and egg size distribution on commercial lay hens.
- No negative health outcomes were noted for the birds.
- Animal behavior under XTi lighting was improved: calmer, easier to handle birds.
- This trial showed that XTi lighting can have a huge impact on poultry production and animal behavior.